A NEWLY-published book celebrates the life of the respected countryman, “Farmer John” Greenslade, who was known by so many people across Devon and further afield.

John William Greenslade (80), otherwise known as “Farmer John”, from Bickleigh, Mid Devon, sadly died following an accident on his farm on Saturday, September 19, 2020.

He was a much-loved familiar voice to listeners of BBC Radio Devon, having been a regular contributor to the station for more than 20 years.

He would share stories of rural life and his award-winning conservation work, always signing off with his signature saying: “t’was a proper job”.

He wrote a successful book of his life “T’was a proper job” and was persuaded to write a second book of his life and work on the farm since 2010.

He had written and planned the book, but was sadly died before he had the chance to see it published.

His family is delighted that it has been able to complete the book and that his story can be told until the end.

The new book is entitled “Twas Another Proper Job” and is now available at outlets locally.

The book covers 10 years at Way Farm and about how his conservation projects progressed.

It includes details of low points such as when the devastating Ash Dieback was diagnosed in newly-planted woodland, to the “Mighty Big Experience” of being awarded the MBE for services to Agricultural Education and Conservation in the West Country.

John relates the fascinating story of his experiences as one of Devon’s great characters.

As in the first volume, there are poems by his sister Margaret and a selection of attractive images.

All help to complement and expand his vision of the English countryside at its most precious.

John died at work on the farm he loved, having lived his life to the full.

The new book helps to celebrate his achievements, with reflections by others to underline the affection in which “Farmer John” was held by all.

DEVON YFC

John was chairman of Devon YFC in 1966.

He became involved in the Prosecution Service and served as a Magistrate on the bench for 20 years, mainly at Cullompton, leading to a keen interest in the well-being of young offenders.

He maintained an active interest in the Tiverton Agricultural Association and, with their support in 1994 re-started the show as the Mid Devon Town and Country Show, to which he became the President.

The Mid Devon Show has proved to be an extremely successful event attracting around 16,000 visitors each July.

Farmer John later opened up the woodland Byways Woods, at Way Farm at Thorverton.

CHARITY

He organised walks in the woodland in aid of local charities, such as the Children’s Hospice South West, opening the woodland for people to see the bluebells for more than 20 years in aid of the charity.

Local schoolchildren visited the woodlands regularly to learn, in a very practical way about their environment. John and Jeanette, raised thousands of pounds for charity over many years by giving the guided walks.

They maintained the 80 acres of stunning woods and meadow land.

In recent years volunteer students from Petroc supported learning unit at Tiverton enjoyed finding out about woodlands and helped to plant a variety of trees, including Lime, Hornbeam, Cherry, Whitebeam, Crab Apple and rare Wild Service (or Chequer) trees.

AWARD WINNING WOODLAND

In July 2013 it was confirmed by the Forestry Commission that the award-winning woodland, Byway Woods at Bickleigh, had Ash Dieback, the first reported case in Devon.

Swift action was taken to burn 1,500 ash saplings and it was hoped that this had helped kill off or suppress the disease from spreading.

Sections of the woodland won first and second prizes in the woodland competitions at the Devon County Show.

Previously John had also been a ploughing match judge.

He was also an avid reader of the “Crediton Courier” and helped to record the Mid Devon Messenger.

A HUGE LOSS TO THE COUNTY

The Lord Lt of Devon, David Fursdon, led the tributes to Farmer John on BBC Radio Devon on Monday, September 21.

He described John’s death as a "huge loss to the county of Devon".

He added: "He was an asset to the community and meant so much to so many".

Mr Fursdon continued: "He was well-respected and well-known in the farming community. John was an understated man of wisdom with a lot of experience to share. He was a great communicator and was involved in charity work, conservation work and educator who talked with ease to the younger generation."

KNOWLEDGEABLE

Bill Murray said on social media after John’s death: "I was very sorry to hear on the radio this morning that John had died. He was very knowledgeable and also approachable.

"He had time and consideration for others, for example, several years ago, I received some documents relating to Gidleigh Parish from him via Tony Beard. He could have put them into a sale but he realised that they were of a particular local importance and he made sure that they ended up in the right place.

"He’ll be ploughing a furrow in some happy place now ‘vor zartain’.”

His family said after he passed away: "Farmer John passed away in a tragic accident on Saturday on the farm where he was born. His family would like to thank the neighbours, the Air Ambulance, paramedics, the police and the fire and rescue service for their care and diligence.

"John was a much loved husband, dad, grandad, great grandad, brother and uncle.

"He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. RIP

"Jan, Sally Reed, Wendy Kerslake, Julie Greenslade and Margaret Leach."

The family said that in the week of his death, John had met with a photographer to take photos for the book, including the cover image.

Prior to that he had written notes every day and these had been typed by the family ready to go to the printer.

WHERE TO BUY A COPY

’Twas Another Proper Job’ is available at Mole Avon Country Stores in Crediton, Exe Valley Farm Shop, Heard and Sendell and direct from the publisher, Halsgrove of Wellington.

A hardback, it retails at £12.99, ISBN 978-0-86183-355-9.